1 The word of the LORD of hosts came: 2 This is what the LORD of hosts says: “I am very jealous for Zion. With great fury I am jealous for her.” 3 This is what the LORD says: “I have returned to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts, the Holy Mountain.”

4 This is what the LORD of hosts says: “Old men and old women will again sit in the squares of Jerusalem, each with a staff in hand because of advanced age. 5 The squares of the city will be full of boys and girls playing in its squares.”

6 This is what the LORD of hosts says: “If this seems too difficult in the eyes of the remnant of this people in those days, should it also seem too difficult in my eyes?” declares the LORD of hosts.

7 This is what the LORD of hosts says: “I am about to save my people from the land of the east and from the land of the setting sun. 8 I will bring them, and they will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. They will be my people, and I will be their God in truth and righteousness.”

9 This is what the LORD of hosts says: “Let your hands be strong, you who in these days hear these words from the mouths of the prophets who were there on the day the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, so that the temple might be built. 10 For before those days there were no wages for people or payment for livestock. There was no safety from the enemy for those going out or coming in, and I set everyone against his neighbor. 11 But now I do not deal with the remnant of this people as in the former days,” declares the LORD of hosts. 12 “For the seed will be sown in peace. The vine will give its fruit, the land will give its produce, and the heavens will give their dew. I will cause the remnant of this people to inherit all these things. 13 Just as you were a curse among the nations, house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid. Let your hands be strong.

14 For this is what the LORD of hosts says: Just as I intended to bring disaster on you when your ancestors provoked me to anger,” says the LORD of hosts, “and I did not relent, 15 so in these days I have again intended to do good to Jerusalem and the house of Judah. Do not be afraid. 16 These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another. Render judgments of truth and peace at your gates. 17 Do not plot evil against your neighbor in your hearts, and do not love a false oath, for all these are things I hate,” declares the LORD.

18 The word of the LORD of hosts came to me: 19 This is what the LORD of hosts says: “The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth months will become joy, gladness, and happy festivals for the house of Judah. So love truth and peace.”

20 This is what the LORD of hosts says: “Peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come. 21 The inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, ‘Let us go earnestly to seek the LORD’s favor and to seek the LORD of hosts. I too will go.’ 22 Many peoples and powerful nations will come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to seek the LORD’s favor.”

23 This is what the LORD of hosts says: “In those days ten men from all the languages of the nations will take hold of the edge of a Jewish man’s garment and say, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’ ”